David Nunes, the Colorado-based developer who proposed the project, said the effort is "absolutely" moving forward.

"We're in a quiet period right now, where I can't comment on ongoing negotiations," he said.

Nunes said it would likely be about four weeks until he can publicly release any details on the project.

Elaine Driscoll, a spokeswoman for the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, said the department had not heard from Nunes. She said the commission had not heard of any project in Milford, though she added that locations are not a part of this application phase.

"With the scope of licensing discussions, developers are not required to tell us what area they're looking in," she said. "Phase one applications are solely to determine the developer's suitability."

According to Driscoll, the commission has not received any completed applications so far, but three developers have already submitted the application fee.

"We anticipate we'll start to get the applications soon," she said.

Driscoll said the state's deadline was Jan. 15, though that could be pushed back for a special case.

"The (state gaming) commissioner does have the authority to extend the deadline, but there would have to be a valid reason," she said.

Local officials said they had not spoken to Nunes in some time, though they said this was not unusual.

Town Administrator Louis Celozzi said he was last in contact with Nunes between six and eight weeks ago.

"I don't know if it's necessary that any further discussions between the town and the developer" take place, he said. "The state is requiring any developer with a proposal to go to the state and get pre-approved financially. That may be the reason he hasn't been in contact."

Selectman Chairman Brian Murray agreed.

"I don't necessarily expect contact from him - he's done what he can do," he said. "The next step doesn't require any local involvement whatsoever."

"I think the ball's in Nunes' court now," he added.

Nunes has proposed a $700 million, 300,000-square-foot casino at the intersection of rtes. 16 and 495. The plan would call for on and off-ramps which solely access the casino.

The proposal would include 300 hotel rooms, a 125,000 square-foot gaming floor, shops, restaurants and parking.

Mike Gleason can be reached at 508-634-7546 or mgleason@wickedlocal.com.